Issue Date: January 21, 2007
Thwart rising fees
When a call to directory assistance costs as much as $2, it's time to fight back. Try free online services such as Anywho.com and 411.com, or call 800-373-3411 (that's 800-FREE411). Other ways to battle sneaky little fees:
You can reduce the cost of getting cash.
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Airlines. Many airlines now charge $5 to $15 if you make a reservation with an agent by phone or at the airport, so book online. Give yourself a few minutes to do so, because airline websites can be cumbersome. But it's worth it, especially if you're reserving for the whole family. If you have specific questions about flights or rewards programs, call to clarify, then return online to book your flight.
ATMS. Fees for using an ATM not affiliated with your "home" bank keep rising. For example, $2 is becoming the norm for a "foreign" ATM transaction. Instead, try the cash kiosks at large grocery and drugstore chains. Many of these businesses have put in ATMs with fees lower than at the bank. Or, ask for cash back when you use your debit card at a store. If there is a fee, it's often only about 25 cents.
Library late fees. Many libraries now let you renew online. It's fast, easy and may help avoid a charge.
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5 fat fighters that really work
Some fat-busting supplements do work, Harry Preuss, M.D., reports in a new book, "The Natural Fat-Loss Pharmacy." The Georgetown University Medical Center researcher says the following may help you lose and keep off weight and fat (you still need to restrict calories):
Before eating pasta, try popping a starch blocker.
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EGCG, an antioxidant in green tea, increases metabolism to burn calories, kills fat cells and blocks formation of new ones. What to take: a green tea extract pill before meals for a total daily dose of 270mg to 325mg of EGCG.
CLA, conjugated linoleic acid, can melt body fat and build muscle without calorie counting or exercise. What to take: 1.7g, twice a day, of Tonalin CLA.
HCA, hydroxycitric acid, derived from a tropical fruit, quadrupled weight loss in an eight-week moderate diet. What to take: 1,500mg, three times a day, 30 minutes before meals. The brand Preuss tested, Super CitriMax, is available from Now Foods.
Chromium targets the loss of fat instead of muscle. What to take: For weight loss, 200mcg, three times a day, of chromium bound to niacin (ChromeMate), or chromium picolinate or histidinate; for maintenance, take 200mcg a day.
Starch blockers cut absorption of carbs. What to take: CarbEase or brands with the ingredient Phase 2. Follow label directions.
Jean Carper is an authority on the latest nutrition news.
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Teen jobs pay off
Your teen in a winter slump? Maybe he should consider getting a job.
After-school work may give college-bound kids an edge.
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Admissions directors look at "after-school jobs as the great equalizer," she says. With many high schools now requiring community service, flipping burgers or hammering nails may be a better option to help a teen stand out.
"When it comes down to two kids, college directors, many of whom had to work to pay their own college bills, look for what "I had to do as a kid,' " Hernandez says. Just make sure, she explains, that it's not a froufrou job, like something that was landed via Mom's connections, or a gig that started right before application time. And experts stress the need to balance work with school and activities. The key is consistency, whether it's work or sports or community service, Hernandez says.
After-school employment not only boosts teens' bank accounts, but it also can improve their chances of getting into college, says consultant Michele Hernandez.
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Go online for organic
Eating organic is great, but finding high-quality, well-priced organic food isn't easy -- unless you're online.
One way to save pennies is to buy in bulk. Get many USDA-certified staples at SunOrganic Farm (sunorganic.com). Or, try specialized online grocers. Diamond Organics (diamondorganics.com) ships perishables by FedEx, which can be costly, but delivery fees are waived on "sampler" boxes. Companies such as Urban Organic (urbanorganic.com) and Door to Door Organics (doortodoororganics.com) can make weekly deliveries in certain areas.
Organic food is expensive because it's labor-intensive to produce and sell -- and without pesticides, farmers lose crops more easily. So, why not head to an organic farm? Local Harvest offers a list of them at localharvest.org/organic-farms.
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